Loon Rafts Installed In Pittsfield To Help Endangered Bird

Loons have trouble walking on land so if water levels drop, they are unable to get to their nests.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state is looking to protect loons in Pittsfield.

The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife says statewide 18 loon rafts are planned to be installed to protect the bird. With loons being reportedly seen at reservoirs operated by the Pittsfield Water Department, rafts are planned to be deployed there.

"This month, loon rafts will be deployed at the DCR Wachusett and Quabbin Reservoirs and on reservoirs operated by the Fitchburg and Pittsfield water departments where loon pairs have been reported," the state said in its most recent newsletter.

The rafts are floated and anchored in loon territory and provide a place to protect the nests and eggs from being flooded. Loons "cannot walk well and are very awkward on land." In the spring they breed and build nests along shorelines.

However, with fluctuating water levels, the nests are sometimes flooded or water levels drop so much the loons can't reach them.

Mayor Daniel Bianchi said the city had been approached by wildlife biologist Bridgett McAlice about putting a raft in Cleveland Reservoir because a pair of loons had been spotted there in recent years. Commissioner of Public Utilities Bruce Collingwood said loon activity has been seen around the raft since it was placed there on May 13.

"I am pleased to announce that the Cleveland Reservoir now joins the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs in the fight to protect, and bring back, the common loon population," said Bianchi. " The nesting of this loon pair will, hopefully, be the start of the reappearance of common loons in Berkshire County."

Meanwhile, the state is asking residents to report loons they see. The state has been monitoring loon nesting for years because common loons are listed as a species of special concern for endangered species.

Loons were absent from the state for nearly a century until they were found again in 1975 on the Quabbin Reservoir. By 1984, more loons were found on the Wachusetts Reservoir and two years later nesting activity began across he state.

In 2012, 35 territorial loon pairs were documented on 13 lakes and ponds.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.